Conference motions

The arrangements for outpatients who have to attend hospitals to keep appointments, and who have need of transport from home to the NHS establishment, are not on a NATIONAL basis and are consequently not acceptable. The Minister responsible for transport to and from NHS establishments must authorise an appropriate national system that will end the […]

Conference regrets that the latest excess winter deaths statistics for England and Wales has risen by a 49% increase in the period December 2008 to March 2009 (National Pensioners Convention statistics). An estimated 36,700 older people died of cold related illness compared to 25,300 the previous winter, which is 11,400 more. Statistics are not available […]

Conference notes that retired members are included among the total number of UNISON members for affiliation to the Trades Union Congress. Conference further notes that the present method of representation to the Annual Conference of the TUC does not include any retired members. Conference further believes that the present method of representation of retired trades […]

In the UK there are some six million unpaid carers who provide support for most of the elderly and vulnerable members of society, a saving for the State of £87 million per year. Conference therefore instructs the National Retired Committee and calls on the National Executive Council to liaise with the National Pensioners’ Convention, Trades […]

Conference Instructs the National Retired Members’ Committee and calls on the National Executive Council to liaise with the National Pensioners’ Convention, Trades Union Congress and all appropriate organisations to campaign for the development of a National Care Service, to provide for all in need, totally free care as required, to live in a comfortable and […]

Conference may be aware that the National Pensioners’ Convention has consistently campaigned to enable pensioners to receive their pension payments by giro if they so wish. Despite a considerable amount of pressure and bullying from the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP), around 200,000 pensioners continue so to do. However, it is now known that […]

Conference Instructs the National Retired Members’ Committee and calls on the National Executive Council to liaise with the National Pensioners’ Convention, Trades Union Congress and all appropriate organisations to campaign for the cessation of the Post Office closure programme, with particular reference to rural areas as they are often the centre of village life for […]

As the value of the state pension has fallen by a huge amount since 1979, many pensioners are eligible for means-tested additions. The application forms for these additions are long and complicated. Often more than one form is required to determine other pensioner benefits. Many pensioners do not claim these benefits partly because of lack […]

Shopping is a nightmare for older people and people with disabilities. Packaging – especially that used for food items – can be very difficult for arthritic and crippled old fingers to get into. Older people’s eyes find small print a problem. Yet health authorities recommend that people should read the nutrition information on food packaging. […]

Conference notes the first report of the new Office for Budget Responsibility, released on 14 June, which downgrades UK growth forecasts for 2011 and 2012, highlighting in particular the weak recovery and uncertain prospects of our major trading partners in Europe. Conference also notes the statements of the Chancellor of the Exchequer, George Osborne, designed […]

This Conference recognises the tremendous value concessionary bus passes have been to older people. Not only has the facility enabled them to continue to make journeys to doctors, dentists, shops etc without the worry of how to afford it, it has also provided health and social benefits for people to interact outside their own family […]

This Conference notes that older people in receipt of state pension as their sole income are entitled to benefits such as Pension Credit. However, we deplore the fact that older people with a state pension and a small occupational pension which takes them above the cut-off point for means-tested benefits deprives them of such benefits […]

This Conference notes with alarm in the recent run up to the General Election, the Conservative proposal for lump sum payments towards future care requirements. This is again an insurance policy aimed at those who can afford such payments – £8000 was mentioned. This sum is equal and sometimes in excess of UNISON retired members’ […]

Conference condemns the attack by the Israeli army and navy on the Gaza Freedom flotilla, which was in international waters 90 miles off the coast of Gaza, in which nine people were reportedly killed. We note that these boats were carrying much-needed humanitarian aid for the people of Gaza. We repeat the demand of Conference […]

The National Pensioners’ Convention (NPC) is Britain’s biggest independent campaigning organisation of older people, representing 1000 local, regional and national pensioner groups with a total of 1.5 million members. The NPC’s main objective is to promote the welfare and interests of pensioners, both now and in the future, as a way of securing dignity, respect […]